The value of staying informed on childcare crisis, other business issues

Finding affordable childcare can feel next to impossible for many working families in the United States, and Michigan is no exception. According to a report from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation , childcare issues result in an estimated $2.9 billion loss for the state’s economy each year.

That’s why, in 2023, the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential called for the creation of regional coalitions to assess childcare challenges and make recommendations for changes to business and policy practices. Locally, the Early Childhood Investment Corporation awarded the Flint & Genesee Economic Alliance , a division of the Flint & Genesee Group , a grant to form the Genesee, Lapeer, Shiawassee, and St. Clair County Regional Child Care Coalition (GLSSC).

You can read about some of the coalition’s efforts and findings in AND magazine’s January/February issue. This bimonthly publication – published by the Flint & Genesee Group in print and digital formats – reports on economic development, small businesses, placemaking efforts, talent initiatives, and other business trends impacting Flint & Genesee.

In this particular issue, the feature story details how the lack of childcare options impacts working families. Without reliable childcare, many parents and guardians must reduce their hours, miss work, or leave their jobs entirely. This directly affects businesses, which face a loss of productivity and experience difficulty attracting and retaining talent.

At the same time, childcare providers often find themselves caught in a financial balancing act. In the cover story, readers learn how providers face various challenges, including recruiting and retaining qualified caregivers, low staff pay, rising operational costs, limited profit margins, and the need to meet regulatory standards. Many would like to offer more slots to meet community needs, but expanding services is often impossible without additional financial support.

These stories are important. They take a national issue and localize it, showing how it impacts families and businesses in Flint & Genesee and in our state.

By keeping up with local business news, we position ourselves to make better decisions and support initiatives that can lead to meaningful change. Whether you’re an employer, policymaker, or engaged community member, staying informed about key trends and news is essential to creating a stronger Flint & Genesee. Informed decision-making leads to progress, and by tackling these challenges together, we can make a lasting impact on our region’s future.

To read the stories I’ve mentioned here, or to subscribe to our digital magazine, I encourage you to check out AND magazine at and. flintandgenesee.org.

This article originally appeared in?the Genesee County View.